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John Cairns photography
In a ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre, Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey presented awards to individuals and teams whose work has exemplified the University's commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact.
This year's awards received 160 submissions across 11 categories, involving over 1,300 individuals from across the collegiate University – a reflection of the breadth of contributions from academics, researchers, technicians and professional service staff at Oxford.
‘The Awards Ceremony and Showcase this year truly captured the very best of Oxford,’ remarked Professor Tracey during her address. ‘By bringing together academics, researchers, professional services and support staff, and external partners, I hope these awards will help spark new ideas, inspire collaboration, and encourage us all to keep delivering excellence in our core mission of teaching and research.’
Among the eleven award categories, the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division was well represented, with notable achievements in research and innovation.
Breakthrough Researcher Award
The Breakthrough Researcher Award, which recognises researchers at the early stages of their careers who have made a significant impact at the University, was awarded to Dr Joshua Bull from the Mathematical Institute.
Josh Bull’s work has developed innovative mathematical and statistical approaches to tackle pressing challenges in biology and medicine, particularly in analysing large spatially resolved data. His research has led to significant contributions across multiple departments in both the MPLS and Medical Sciences Divisions.
'It's great that the University is recognising Early Career Researchers with this category, and I'm really honoured to have won. My research is highly collaborative and relies on working across disciplines, from other researchers in the Maths Institute through to colleagues across the Medical Sciences Division and MPLS, so many thanks to all of them for their roles in this work!' said Dr Bull.
Innovation and Commercialisation Award
Oxford Semantic Technologies claimed the Innovation and Commercialisation Award, which recognises individuals or teams undertaking research-led innovation or commercialisation.
Established in 2017 by three professors from the Department of Computer Science, the Oxford spin-out specialises in knowledge graph technologies. The company has developed cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies based on research prototypes and was recently acquired by Samsung, which is now implementing these technologies in its smartphones and other devices.
Innovative Teaching and Assessment Award
The Chemistry Teaching Laboratory received a Highly Commended recognition in the Innovative Teaching and Assessment Award category, which recognises colleagues who have implemented new approaches to education at Oxford.
Their project, ‘Empowering decision-making for first year undergraduates,’ addresses limitations in traditional laboratory teaching. While conventional lab work often constrains student engagement through rigid 'recipe' formats, the Chemistry Teaching Laboratory has developed an innovative curriculum that fosters deeper learning by empowering students to make choices from their first term.
This approach enables students to make informed decisions about their experimental work, leading to enhanced engagement and deeper understanding of the science, ultimately better preparing them for future employment.
Professor Jim Naismith, Head of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, commented on the Division's success at this year's awards: ‘I am thrilled to see Joshua Bull from Maths receive the Breakthrough Researcher Award from the Vice-Chancellor. Congratulations to Oxford Semantic Technologies on winning the Vice-Chancellor’s Innovation and Commercialisation Award. These awards mark the bookends of the journey from breakthrough science discovery to the growth of highly successful new business. In MPLS, we are equally proud of our history of making the discoveries that shape how the future happens and in turning them into prosperity for the UK. ‘
The Vice-Chancellor's Awards continue to celebrate the diversity of talent and achievement across the University, showcasing Oxford's commitment to excellence in all aspects of its mission.